With Alex's help, Gabriel got himself seated in the big leather armchair. Claire helped him get as comfortable as he could, helping him conceal the IV and bandages.
Once they were done, Mark brought a man that seemed fairly close to Gabriel's age into the room, who was followed by two more people.
"Good evening, Mr Moore." The man said with a smile, looking around the room curiously.
"Evening, Ned." Gabriel smiled back. Claire stood at the farthest away point, close to the door as if she was readying herself for an escape.
"How are you doing?" Ned asked kindly.
"Frankly, I've been better." Gabriel replied with a chuckle. "Although, morphine definitely is nice."
"Haven't seen in you in years." Ned said as he walked over and sat down in the armchair opposite.
"I know. I've managed to keep myself off the news for a while. I wasn't as successful at laying low recently though."
"Well, it happens, doesn't it." Ned laughed as two of his colleagues set up a camera and microphone. "Would you like a run or shall we just plough along?"
"Let's dive right in." Gabriel decided knowing full well that it wasn't much longer that he could keep up for. He was already fatigued and feeling drowsy.
"Okay." Ned agreed. "It is going to be a live feed. There's only one go we can have so be prepared. Try to keep calm and we can always work things out together. If at any point you're struggling we will deviate from the question." Ned said quickly taking his notepad out. The equipment was all set up and soon the camera was rolling.
Claire watched from the distance nervously, more so about Gabriel's health than anything else. She hated that he wouldn't listen to her and she hated the fact that he was risking his well-being for her.
"Mr Moore, thank you very much for this opportunity to interview you, especially considering your recent incident." Ned said with a smile. He crossed his legs and laid back in the armchair. He acted very professionally which surprised Claire. He was nothing like the reporters that were swarming outside.
"That's not a problem. Of course, I wanted the truth to shine through and I felt I needed to clear a few things up." Gabriel put on a fake but still charming smile.
"Am I to understand that you want to clear up any suspicions regarding the attack?"
"Yes." Gabriel replied with a nod. His hands were stiffly held together on his stomach. He tried to hide that he couldn't move his arm and his sprained wrist which also gave him grief.
"Would you like to give us an account of what has occurred?"
"Of course." Gabriel took a deep breath in. "As you're all aware, Mrs Thompson, Claire, has resigned very recently. It was a very difficult decision that she made. I can reassure you that she had no intention of hurting me that day. And I was there to support her through it. When I was attacked, Claire was with me, but merely as an unfortunate observer. I was shot by a man in the parking lot of my very own company." Gabriel paused briefly before adding. "We all know that if you hold any influence in this world, you cross the path with someone who wants to hurt you. Honestly, I am surprised it took so long for someone to go after me." He laughed in such a charming way. Claire mused that he could be a celebrity if he wanted to.
"So, it was a man that shot you?"
"Yes, that's right." Gabriel nodded. "I will be fully collaborating with the police and I will provide my statement in hope that he will be brought justice, along with anyone else who might be behind that vile attack."
"I am glad to hear such a determination, Mr Moore." Ned smiled. Something about his smile though didn't sit well with Claire, and she knew that Gabriel noticed it too. "Now, I wanted to say that we all wish you a quick recovery as we're all excited to see how much further Diamond Corporate will go. I understand that your well-being must be your highest priority. I did, however, hope that I could ask you about another matter."
"Go on."
"There were a number of speculations in regards to your personal life, Mr Moore. I believe that Miss Thompson was mentioned on that occasion too." Ned asked directly. "I've noticed, and I'm sure many others did too, that you haven't given any personal statement during that time. Perhaps you could tell us a bit more? Or perhaps it held a grain of truth and hence you didn't feel like it was necessary to comment further?"
"Perhaps." Gabriel answered in thought.
"May you please elaborate?" Ned nudged him.
"Of course. I understand that this topic has been of interest to many. Many have speculated a scandal of sorts which I do find highly ridiculous." Gabriel shifted, lifting his sprained arm, and rubbing his chin in thought. Claire wondered if no one else noticed the tremble of his fingers as he did it.
"Ridiculous?"
"Yes, indeed. I am unsure why any relationship I would have is straight away assumed to be indecent and problematic." Gabriel stated.
"I'm not sure what you're saying, Mr Moore." Ned said carefully.
"It is true that I have a personal relationship with Claire." Gabriel said as he looked directly at the camera. Claire's heart stopped. "I never once thought that our relationship is problematic in any way." Gabriel hesitated. "I've heard rumours, false rumours may I add, that Claire received her promotions due to said relationship. I mean, that's beyond ridiculous. "Claire is a very talented individual. She is a fast learner and a huge asset to the company. And, our relationship began only after I started working closely with Claire. All suspicions in regard to Claire's professional career are very wrong, to say the least. And our personal relationship never affected our work. For the most part, I don't think anyone even noticed it. In short, at work, we have a very strict professional relationship.
"I see." Ned gave Gabriel a nod, happy that he got out of him what he wanted to hear. "Is it the first serious relationship since your engagement?" Ned leaned back. "You didn't make a statement back then either, have you?"
"Firstly, I was never engaged." Gabriel said coldly. "Those were speculations due to my family's close relationship with the Jones family, which was mostly due to my father's connections. I have never had a romantic relationship with Miss Jones. Returning to my current relationship, it is my first serious relationship ever."
"That's a pretty serious statement."
"Is it?" Gabriel tilted his head. "My intentions are clear. Claire is the only one I ever see by my side." Ned froze at that statement. "In other words, I love Claire." Gabriel slowly looked back at Ned, not seeing Claire's face as her mouth dropped open.
"A public declaration of love is a bold statement, Mr Moore." Ned chuckled. "I do wish you all the best on that front." Ned turned over the page in his notepad. "Lastly, what are your thoughts about your father's conference tomorrow evening?"
"I have no comment on this matter." Gabriel replied coldly. "I wasn't aware of it."
"It is my understanding that Mr Michael Moore called a press conference to directly speak to the public about your well-being. It was made clear that he had a message to pass on about his view of the entire attack."
"I am sure that it is going to be truly heartfelt." Gabriel said with slight sarcasm. "I can't wait to hear it."
"I'm sure that it's good to have your father's support during these difficult times." Ned said with good intent. "And of course, the support of Miss Thompson."
"Indeed, I am ever so grateful for the support that Claire provides me with." Gabriel nodded as he briefly looked over at pale Claire.
"Thank you for your time, Mr Moore." Ned said. The camera was turned off, and as soon as Gabriel let out a long breath, trying to shift into a more comfortable position.
"Thanks, Ned." Gabriel said with a smile. "By the way, this is Claire." Gabriel gave a nod in Claire's direction.
"Oh, Miss Thompson, it's great to finally meet you." Ned smiled, as he walked up to her and shook her hand.
"Yeah, I'm not sure whether my current reputation makes it that great." Claire answered with a slight smile. "Come on, Gabriel. You need to rest." Claire said sternly towards him.
"I will, Claire dear. I will." Gabriel nodded as he looked down. "I'm sorry for revealing our relationship in that way."
"I am not going to be angry at you now." Claire said gently, squatting beside the armchair. "We can talk about it when you're all better, cuore mio."
"Can you imagine her shooting me?" Gabriel asked Ned with a chuckle. "Honestly, she has no reason to shoot me. She can get anything she wants and more without shooting me."
"Gabriel!" Claire gasped at his statement.
"Come on, Claire dear, anything you want, you've got it." Gabriel smiled at her before looking back at Ned. "The issue is that she doesn't want anything."
"I see." Ned nodded with a smile, curiously looking at Claire. "It's good to see that you're well taken care of."
"Very well." Gabriel smiled again. "You don't happen to know who is keeping the news against Claire going?"
"I'm afraid that I do not. Our news is always verified so I don't think we published anything on that matter. Not the speculations, of course."
"That's unfortunate." Gabriel sighed. "I was hoping that you might be able to help me out."
"I'll ask about it." Ned said rather kindly.
"Thanks."
"Did you really not know about your father's conference?"
"No." Gabriel shook his head. "Our relationship has been rather rocky for a while."
"Oh well, I'm sure Miss Thompson is doing enough." Ned smiled.
"Mrs." Gabriel grumbled.
"Excuse me?" Ned's eyes shot up.
"I'm saying it in confidence." Gabriel said with a weak smile. "Claire is Mrs Moore now."
"That's well newsworthy." Ned said with a sudden laugh. "God, you're horrid, you know. You know that this is the bit of news that I would sell a kidney for?"
"Keep your kidney." Gabriel said. "I'll get back to you when we're ready to let the world know."
"Am I to understand that I'll get an exclusive interview then?"
"You just had one! What a vulture…" Gabriel laughed and then winced as the pain started shooting through his body.
"Enough, Gabriel." Claire run up to him. "You need to lay down, cuore mio."
"Thanks for today." Ned said before disappearing.
With Alex's help, Claire got Gabriel back into bed. As the evening set, she gently removed his suit and put his actual pyjamas on which seemed more comfortable than the hospital gown. Gabriel was very tired, barely keeping his eyes open.
"Get some sleep." Claire said with the deepest care in her voice.
"I'm sorry, Claire dear."
"What are you sorry for?"
"I had plans for tonight, to celebrate." Gabriel managed to utter as his eyelids started closing. "It's exactly half of a year since we're together. I know we're having a bit of a tough time but I hoped we could do something nice…"
"It's okay. We're going to celebrate our first anniversary properly instead." Claire said with a smile as she tidied Gabriel's hair.
"There was a small box in my suit when…" Gabriel said with difficulty.
Claire walked up to the cardboard box with Gabriel's belongings which he arrived with.
"Do you mean this?" Claire asked as she picked up the jewellery box.
"Indeed." Gabriel smiled as Claire passed it to him. "It's for you. It's not the most romantic if you open it yourself but…" Gabriel nodded towards his hands which he struggled to use. "Can you please open it?" Claire hesitated but she opened the box. A ring with multiple crystals was tucked into a cushion. "I know that you've said no to wedding bands. But what about an engagement ring?"
"We're not engaged though…" Claire managed to utter.
"No, because I've messed up." Gabriel said with a scoff. "Claire dear, will you remain married to me?"
"You're being silly." Claire mumbled under her nose before she looked back at Gabriel.
"Claire…"
"Of course, I will, Gabriel. You almost died for me. I can't really say no now, can I?" She teased him.
"I thought I brought more to the table than being a human shield, but that's good enough."
"Of course you do, Gabriel." Claire said as she planted a kiss on his cheek. "You also give me money, pretty gifts, and a fancy house." Gabriel laughed but didn't counteract Claire's argument. He moved his sprained hand, trying to get the ring out of the box, unsuccessfully. Claire softly took his hand and kissed it before she took the ring and placed it on her finger. "It fits." Claire said with a wide smile. "Although… it would be good if you had something to show that you're off the market too." Claire looked at him sternly. "And your wounds don't count!"
"What do you have in mind?" Gabriel asked.
"You should get my name tattooed." Claire said teasingly. "Right here." She poked his chest.
"A tattoo?" Gabriel furrowed his brows. "Okay." He nodded in agreement.
"Let's talk tomorrow." Claire said quietly. "I'm going to go to speak to Gordon and get some work going, but I'll be back soon. I think Alex is still hovering around and so is Mark. Jacque and Matthew went home recently and they'll be back first thing in the morning. Zoe and Gina did the same. They'll bring us some proper breakfast in the morning, or so they've said." Claire kissed Gabriel on his lips. "But for now, get some sleep."
"I love you, Claire dear." Gabriel mumbled as he fell asleep. Claire smiled as she heard a quiet snore.
"I love you, too." She said quietly, but Gabriel's ears didn't hear anymore. She left the room to make a video call to Gordon.
As soon as she was done with the video call she came back into the room, curling back onto the armchair and falling asleep. She managed a bit more sleep than for the few previous nights but even then it was a night of very interrupted and light sleep.
As the morning came, Claire was awoken by Zoe who budged her to get breakfast. Claire looked over at Gabriel as she shot up in the armchair. He still slept on the bed but he was grunting and wincing in his sleep. Claire's heart broke at the sight of Gabriel in pain. She rushed to speak to the doctor but he was clear that Gabriel was already receiving as much pain relief as it was possible.
Claire returned to the room to find a pair of the open blue eye as Gabriel chatted with Zoe, hiding his pain well. Gabriel laughed at something that Zoe have said.
"I wonder what Claire's thoughts are on that matter." Gabriel said in a still raspy voice.
"What's the matter?" Claire asked as she walked up to them.
"Zoe kindly offered that if I die, she'll move into the villa to live with you." Gabriel said with a wide grin.
"Isn't that a splendid idea?" Zoe asked Claire. "I'll have you all to myself!"
"And what about Mark?"
"It's a sacrifice I am willing to make." Zoe said decisively.
"I haven't died yet, and she's already planning on how to replace me." Gabriel said as he shifted in bed. "Although, it might have made me want to live a little longer just to spite her." Gabriel said to Claire. "You're mine, Claire dear." He then scowled at Zoe playfully.
"Possessive much." Zoe scoffed. "Breakfast is here, as promised. I may have to head off. Work is waiting." Zoe sighed as she got up from the chair. "And you, take care of yourself too." She pointed at Claire. "You need the energy to deal with him." Zoe hugged Claire as she left the room.
"I'm sorry." Claire mumbled looking at Gabriel. "She can be a little apathetic."
"It's alright. I needed a laugh. It's good to see that at least one person doesn't pity me."
Claire smiled as she walked over to his side, quickly unpacking the breakfast that Zoe brought for them.
"What would you like?" Claire asked as she started unpacking the boxes.
"If you'd allow me, the greasiest thing possible. The hospital food is so bland…" Gabriel said as he grunted trying to sit up.
"It's your choice. But mind you, your stomach may not be able to tolerate it." Claire started dishing out the food. "I'd suggest that you do have some porridge first so it acts as a blanket for the greasy stuff."
"Of course, Claire dear. I'll do as you think appropriate." Gabriel agreed. Claire looked at him with a raised brow.
"I didn't take you for the obedient kind." Claire said as she walked over to help him get comfortable.
"I've promised that I'll rest and take it easy. I usually keep my promises."
"That's good." Claire nodded as she gave Gabriel some porridge.
"Good morning Mr and Mrs Moore." The doctor walked in with the clipboard in his hand.
"Good morning." They replied in unison.
"I've consulted a few specialists and we believe that you can be discharged later today. Your condition is stable and, frankly, a home environment might suit you better."
"That's good." Gabriel nodded.
"I recommend you nurses and you will have a specialist appointment in a few weeks."
"That's great, thank you." Gabriel nodded and a doctor walked away. Gabriel noticed a frown on Claire's face. "What's wrong, dear?"
"Isn't it rather hasty?" She couldn't help but worry. "I do not feel like you're well enough for this."
"Claire, I'll have doctors and nurses at home and I'll get to be in an environment which I much prefer. It's the best way to recover."
"I see." Claire went silent, biting her tongue.
She helped Gabriel with his breakfast and changed into his day clothes as Mark came along with a wheelchair to help Gabriel down. Claire was quiet, still feeling that Gabriel isn't careful enough.
Her silence bothered Gabriel who wasn't sure how to make Claire feel better. The only thing he could do was to put on a brave face and push through his pain to make Claire feel that little bit reassured that he was alright.
Once at home, he stubbornly climbed up the stairs with Mark's support before laying down in his own bed. Mark was quick to arrange for a tv to be brought into his bedroom, and he also arranged for all the previously broken furniture to be replaced.